We are very appreciative of the generosity of visiting photographers who are prepared to share their experiences with us and last night was a wonderful example of this. Aubrey Wade is a passionate and compassionate documentary photographer who spoke from the heart about his early work in Sierra Leone and India. His first degree was in anthropology followed by a Master’s in photography - a combination which has shaped his approach to projects, with an emphasis on social justice. He started to travel, to explore and then he found the themes, the stories and the projects, often supporting himself by taking on commissions from NGOs. His images were strong and compelling, but he dwelled on the stories they told and how important it had been to engage with the people in those images to make sure it was their voice that was heard. Otherwise, it is too easy ‘to take beautiful pictures of an ugly situation’. He asks himself why he is there, why is he taking those particular photographs and for what purpose. A turning point for him was a story he had published in Photo 8 magazine about a child with a life limiting condition. He felt his images showing Rosie being cared for within her family were brought to life by the moving testimony of Rosie’s mother, printed alongside his work.

His most recent project was in collaboration with several writers and the United Nations Refugee Council: ‘No Stranger Place’, showing portraits of families from across Europe with the refugees they had taken into their homes, with their story alongside. It was fascinating to hear how these portraits were produced: Aubrey chose the setting in the home, the pose and even the position of the furniture to make the most of the available light. But first he spent time with the families and gained their trust and interest before working on getting the image he wanted. He described feeling that portraits are a bridge between him and the people he wants us to see. His whole approach was serious, concerned and contemplative and reminded us of the power documentary photography can have to provoke emotions and highlight social situations, natural disasters and the human condition. nostrangerplace.org/

We were also delighted to award the prestigious Tiger Trophy to two winners, to Ellen Whittle (and Keith Kavanagh, in his absence) for July and to Mark Johnston for August, plus certificates to Susi Luard for overall winner of the print competitions 2018 and to Paul Shelley for overall winner of the DPI category. Ben Altman's invaluable services with the laptop and projector were also recognised.

Dear Jean. Bill Gilliam on your screen just to say what a great program choice for last nights meeting. A moving and thought provoking subject matter with some great pictures.
Thank you and see ya soon.